MALUM **** Italy / USA 2023 Dir: Anthony DiBlasi. 92 mins
A young and inexperienced police officer is assigned to work the final shift at a recently closed down police station. Her main goal is to investigate the suspicious circumstances surrounding her father’s death and the potential involvement of a dangerous cult. As she delves deeper into her investigation, she begins to uncover dark secrets about her family’s past which she never saw coming.
As the night progresses, the rookie officer is faced with a series of chilling and inexplicable supernatural occurrences that shake her to the core. Strange noises, eerie shadows, and unexplained phenomena plague the deserted station, making her question her own sanity. This aside, she remains determined to unravel the mystery that has haunted her family for years.
With each passing hour, the young officer gets closer to unraveling the twisted web of lies and deceit that have plagued her family for generations. As she confronts the malevolent forces at play, she must also come to terms with the truth about her father’s death and the sinister cult that may have been responsible. In a race against time, she must navigate through the darkness to uncover the shocking truth that will ultimately change her life forever.
This film offers decent jump scares that effectively will keep you on the edge of your seat, along with a healthy dose of gore and blood that adds to the overall disturbing and sinister atmosphere. The plot of the film acts as a captivating puzzle, making viewers ponder over the blurred lines between reality and illusion. The demonic elements were incredibly effective, creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the entirety of the film.
The actors in this film captivates the audience with mesmerizing performances that holds your attention throughout the entire film. The cinematography and special effects, which were achieved through practical techniques rather than relying on computer-generated imagery, were brilliant and chilling to the bone. The director’s ability to bring out the dark and malevolent aspects of the story added a chilling depth to the overall narrative, making it a truly haunting cinematic experience.
The film delves into some deep and intense themes that may not resonate with all viewers, but personally, I found it to be a captivating and thought-provoking experience. For those who appreciate a more nuanced and challenging narrative, this film delivers on multiple levels. Malum was truly unique compared to any other horror film that I have seen before. For those who have an interest in films centered around demonic cults, this film is a must-see. I rate this film 4 out of 5!
Review by Andrew Schisas (aka Cujo the Conqueror)
MALUM is out now on Blu-ray in the UK and is also available to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video in the USA